P&O Ferries, operators of the shortest, most frequent crossings between Northern Ireland and Scotland, has celebrated after 15 members of staff from Larne and Cairnryan achieved the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 2 Certificate in Team Leading and Customer Service.

A ceremony was held in the Willowbank Business Centre to mark the occasion and the employees were presented with their certificates by former BBC broadcaster, Sarah Travers and were congratulated by Neal Mernock, Sector Director Irish Sea, P&O Ferries.

Neal Mernock, Sector Director Irish Sea, P&O Ferries said: "P&O Ferries is a people based services company and we understand the importance of training, motivating and empowering staff members and retaining the best talent.

“We are committed to providing our customers with the highest standards of service and that means we need skilled, confident and knowledgeable staff, and we believe in providing them with the best opportunities to enhance and grow their skills.”

A CMI level 2 certificate is a professional qualification and forms part of P&O Ferries ongoing commitment to the training and development of staff by equipping them with the broad range of skills necessary to build their leadership and customer service skills.

P&O Ferries has been working with Chain HR in Larne since 2009 to develop a programme that is aligned to their overall business objectives. This innovative course is tailored to the specific needs of P&O Ferries and provides an effective and successful transition from theory based learning to practical experience and service in their Ports.